New Mexico lawmakers are battling over whether the state should pass gun control laws that would require background checks for nearly everyone buying a gun.

Democratic Rep. Miguel Garcia from Albuquerque said there is a glaring loophole in the law, and closing that could make our communities safer. He said when someone buys a gun at a gun shop, they are subjected to a background check.

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However, Garcia said unlicensed dealers at gun shows are selling guns without that security screening. His proposed bill would require background checks at gun shows and during private sales.

“So that our children, our youth, our elders can live full lives without fear,” he said. “We need to do everything we can in our powers, in our authority.”

But some lawmakers don’t like the bill, saying it steps on the federal government’s toes. Republican Rep. William Rehm from Albuquerque, a former sheriff’s deputy who is supported by the National Rifle Association, said changes should be made to strengthen federal gun laws.

For example, he said hospitals should be able to inform police if someone makes threats. He also said we need to evaluate who or what we’re punishing, the person or the tool.

“Should we be mad at the tool or should we be mad at the individual?” Rehm said. “If we had a DWI suspect last night that killed a family on the interstate, we'd be mad at the DWI suspect. We wouldn't be mad at the tool, his vehicle.”